Major Garda gang probe nets suspect in murder

Yesterday saw the introduction of checkpoints across the country as part of the pan-European operation (Stock picture)

A Lithuanian man facing a murder charge in his own country, is due to appear in the High Court today after being arrested as part of an international investigation.

The 29-year-old was one of 12 people arrested for a variety of offences across Ireland yesterday in Operation Trivium, in which 26 vehicles were seized and 153 incidents recorded.

The arrest took place in the Liffey Valley area of west Dublin.

The operation is being led by Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid of the Garda National Traffic Bureau, who told the Herald last night that gardai were "very pleased" with the results of the operation so far.

"It is estimated that 95pc of stolen property gets transported on our road network so to have such an intensive garda operation on our roads is very important," Supt Reid said.

"This is Ireland's first time to get involved in Operation Trivium and the operation will last for 48 hours. Units such as the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, the Stolen Car Squad and the Fraud Squad as well as the Traffic Corps have all been involved.

"Ten countries across Europe were involved in this operation today and the focus has been on crime and traffic offences here and in the other countries," he added.

Yesterday saw the introduction of numerous checkpoints across the country as part of the pan-European operation.

Those arrested included three for drunk driving, six for driving while disqualified, two for drugs and offensive weapons related matters.

In west Dublin, gardai seized pepper-spray, which is classed as a firearm, and a small combined penknife/hatchet.

Notorious

Foreign gangs operating in Ireland are a cause of major concern to gardai. One of the most notorious of these mobs is the so-called 'Hole in the Roof gang', which are suspected of being behind a nationwide crime spree that has netted them hundreds of thousands of euro in stolen cash and cigarettes.

Gardai are investigating whether the same gang is responsible for dozens of robberies of shops and service stations across the country.

Another foreign mob who have been investigated stole €100k of cigarettes from a truck which was travelling at over 80kph on a motorway.